[WashableMarker]

Hey there
I'm trying [and failing] to figure out dissociation reactions. Seems my previous teacher decided to just skip over them, and now they're on this review I have to do. There's nothing in the textbook [helpful, no?] and looking online hasn't come up with anything concrete... so I turn to you guys!

The question's simple enough- the dissociation of calcium hydroxide? I assume it's breaking down into smaller parts- Ca2+ and OH-... is that all there is to it?

Ca(OH)₂ (aq) ---> Ca²⁺ + 2OH^-

Also, what would the states of the products be? Aqueous? I really have no idea...

Thanks for any/all help. Links to any websites that explain things *properly* would also be greatly appreciated!

[mike]

Yes that is right, except that Ca(OH)2 would start in the solid state and the ions end up in the aqueous state.

[kclive]

Yes, dissociation means the breaking down of an ionic compound into separate ions in solution. Just make sure your products are labelled as aqueous (aq) and the charges listed. Otherwise, everything is fine.

-Ken C.
New Delhi, India